6 Ways to Beat the Blues This Winter

The change from fall to winter can be hard on your mind, body, and spirit. The days become shorter and darker, and sometimes the sun can stay hidden for weeks at a time.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a seasonal mood disorder that can be triggered by the darker days and colder weather of winter. SAD can affect your mood, your sleeping habits, your diet, and make it harder to stay social and engaged.

If the weather keeps you cooped up at home, you can practice yoga at your house for a relaxing break. And whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, yoga apps like Pocket Yoga and Yoga Studio can help guide your practice at home.

3. Hit the Gym

Icy roads (and a lack of motivation to leave the covers) can make it hard to stick to your gym routine in the winter.

Consider getting a gym membership near your house so icy roads will pose less of a challenge. Or if a friend or colleague already has a gym membership, joining their gym can help you carpool to your workouts together.

A workout buddy is a great way to stay social, and serves as a support system for getting out of the house when you just want to hide under the blankets.

A fitness goal can also help you stay active when the winter blues threaten to keep you cooped up on the couch. If you’re feeling burnt out on your typical routine, try a new fitness class like yoga, Pilates, Zumba, or a strengthening class to keep you engaged.

Or kick your routine up a notch by hiring a personal trainer to guide you toward your winter fitness goals.

Joan Lunden’s in-house research and writing team works with Joan to create content that complements her focuses and the interests of her fans. The team is dedicated to creating a thriving community through content and conversations, and hopes their work, like Joan’s, can make a difference in the lives of her readers everywhere.